New Camera: Few Q's

I got my self a Fujifilm FinePix S2960 14MP Bridge Camera from Tesco, And have a few questions about it.

1. The mic picks up EVERY little sound the camera makes, The auto focus, the zoom and on top of that there is this other sound I can hear. I can hear it if I just put my ear to the camera. This sound is made no matter what im doing with the camera. Its a continuous motor like sound.

What is it?

2. Is this thing actually any good for an "amateur". I plan on using it for videos (but I wont use the audio from it, Ill use another mic for that) as well as general photo shooting when out and about.

Re: New Camera: Few Q's

Does the camera still make these noises when in manual still shooting mode with the shutter half pressed down (focus lock) ? If not then it is probably the continuous auto focus and/or auto exposure functions that are creating the sounds.

Re: New Camera: Few Q's

Usually it's just continuous auto focus that makes the noise (and of course the zoom if one uses it during filming.) Guess you will have to do some more research to discover exactly what the sound is...

I like to use an external stereo zoomable mic when filming but even they can pick up RF frequencies unless of a high quality and adequately shielded - not to mention a "dead cat" (or an old thick woolly sock) cover if it's windy outdoors